Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Potato and Mixed Vegetable Stew

This easy slow cooker potato and mixed vegetable stew is a classic budget-friendly comfort food recipe made with just three simple pantry ingredients. Tender potatoes, canned mixed vegetables, and water slowly cook together to create a warm, hearty broth that tastes like the kind of old-fashioned meal families relied on during simpler times.

Perfect for busy weeknights, tight grocery budgets, or days when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this 3-ingredient slow cooker potato stew requires very little preparation. Simply add everything to your crockpot, cover, and let it cook until the potatoes become soft and naturally thicken the broth.

One of the best things about this easy potato and vegetable soup is its versatility. You can keep it simple for an inexpensive meatless meal or customize it with garlic powder, black pepper, onions, butter, or a bouillon cube for extra flavor. For a heartier dinner, add cooked ground beef, smoked sausage, or beans to make the stew more substantial.

Serve this old-fashioned potato stew with crusty bread, saltine crackers, or buttered toast for a comforting family meal. Whether you’re looking for a cheap slow cooker dinner, a simple pantry recipe, or a nostalgic dish inspired by traditional Depression-era cooking, this hearty potato and vegetable stew is an easy recipe worth keeping in your collection.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Budget-friendly meal: Uses inexpensive ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.
• Only 3 ingredients: Makes meal preparation simple and convenient.
• Minimal prep time: Just chop the potatoes, add the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Comforting and filling: Potatoes provide carbohydrates and energy, while mixed vegetables contribute fiber and a variety of nutrients.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite seasonings, beans, or cooked beef to suit your family’s preferences.
• Great for meal planning: Makes approximately 4–6 servings and can provide convenient leftovers.
• Naturally meat-free: The basic recipe contains no meat, making it a useful option for a simple vegetarian meal when the canned vegetables and any added seasonings are vegetarian-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) mixed vegetables, undrained
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Add the chopped potatoes to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the canned mixed vegetables with their liquid, then add the water. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. For a thicker, heartier stew, mash a few potato pieces against the side of the slow cooker and stir them into the broth.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve hot with bread or crackers.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• For a thicker stew: Use russet potatoes, which release more starch as they cook.
• For extra flavor: Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, or vegetable bouillon.
• For a richer broth: Stir in a little butter before serving.
• For extra protein: Add cooked ground beef, beans, or sliced smoked beef sausage.
• For easy storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.